The new iWerx Gladstone is bringing opportunity for a wide range of organizations and individuals with its affordable startup business space.

And with MSBF and affiliates like the Clay County Economic Development Council, the location is really starting to pop with services geared to help small businesses.

Proven Pattern

Like the original iWerx in North Kansas City, the latest venture serves as a co-working space and business incubator. Located at 7001 N. Locust St. in growing Downtown Gladstone, the location offers a nurturing environment for up to 80 small businesses and startups.

Located in the middle of Gladstone’s thriving downtown, iWerx is within walking distance of the community center, Linden Square, the Heights of Linden Square and the Northland Innovation Campus. Besides iWerx, the latest addition is Summit Grill, which is quickly becoming a Northland destination.

“We’ve got a lot going in that downtown area, and we thought iWerx would be a perfect fit,” explained Gladstone Assistant City Manager Robert Baer. “It’s really a win-win for everyone.”

With extensive use of glass and an open-air deck on the second floor, the 30,000 square foot iWerx is bringing its own panache to the area. It also boasts blazing fast, 10-gig internet connectivity provided by KC Fiber, the same speed that has proven a plus for high-tech entrepreneurs at the NKC location.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Dozens of new companies and hundreds of new jobs could ultimately spring from the location’s entrepreneurial efforts. Although not all will succeed, those that do are likely to create significant economic development.

That goal played a key role in Gladstone’s planning. “Why not start with a business and have them incubate in that building and grow to the point where they go out on their own and find a new building in this area,” Baer recalled. “They grow in this area, and they are likely to stay in the area.” And this is along with their jobs and other economic benefits.

A Denver organization originally approached Gladstone with another incubator idea, but the city felt the proposal was too expensive. iWerx was achieving success in North Kansas City, and at about the same time, the Locust Street location became available. After considerable study, the city broached the idea of a partnership, and, with the help of Missouri Chapter 100 Bonds, iWerx Gladstone is expected to open this fall.

“We looked at what they had done in North Kansas City,” Baer said of the iWerx team. “If they can make an old industrial building look that good, I’m really looking forward to what they can do here.”

iWerx partner Bob Martin said the Gladstone location has some differences from its NKC parent, one of which is more individual offices that provide the critical components of startups.

“One thing we’ve learned is that there’s a real thirst for lower-priced office space,” Martin explained. “Our hope is to keep more of those entry-level offices open while still offering conferencing, free WIFI and other amenities. The benefits remain the same, but it’s more affordable.”

Opportunities

Offering that kind of creative business environment is also why the Clay County EDC promotes these initiatives. Executive Direct TJ Berry recently noted that small businesses are critical for new job creation, a priority of the organization.

“Our large corporations are important,” explained Executive Director TJ Berry. “But the largest job-creating sector by far is our small businesses. That’s true nationally, and it’s true in Clay County. So it’s important that we do everything we can for them.”

That’s why the EDC is promoting its small business services for members like business brokerage, business plan creation, financial status evaluation and more. Locating that in Gladstone iWerx is a perfect fit!